Dunn County Soil Data
Dunn County, North Dakota
USDA SSURGO / PHZMAvg pH
7.1
Texture
Loam
Drainage
N/A
Organic Matter
5.9%
Hydrologic Group
N/A
Data Story
About Soil in Dunn County, North Dakota
Near-Perfect Soil Chemistry in Dunn
Dunn County boasts a pH of 7.06, which is much closer to the neutral 7.0 mark than most of North Dakota. This puts it nearer to the national median of 6.5 and makes it one of the most chemically balanced soils in the state. This ideal pH is a major factor in the county's high soil score of 72.4.
Silty Texture with Excellent Workability
The soil is rich in silt at 41.3%, combined with 36.9% sand and 21.8% clay. This high silt content gives the soil a smooth, floury feel that is excellent for root penetration and moisture retention. It strikes a rare balance that is easy to till yet structurally sound.
High Fertility and Water Storage
Organic matter in Dunn County is an impressive 5.85%, far exceeding both the state (4.69%) and national (2.0%) averages. The available water capacity of 0.197 in/in is also significantly above the state average of 0.186. This creates a nutrient-dense, sponge-like soil that can sustain crops through long periods without rain.
Efficient Water Management
The soil's high water capacity indicates a superior ability to store rainfall for later use. While specific drainage classes are not listed, the silty composition typically allows for even water distribution throughout the root zone. This minimizes the risk of sudden nutrient leaching during heavy storms.
Top-Tier Gardening in Zone 4a
In Zone 4a, Dunn County offers some of the best gardening potential in the state due to its high organic matter and neutral pH. You can grow a wide variety of vegetables, from leafy greens to root crops, with minimal soil amendments. This fertile land is a gardener’s dream—get your seeds in the ground and watch them thrive.
Soil Composition
Soil pH
Soil Series
Detailed soil series data not yet available for this county.
Hydrologic Group
Hydrologic group data not available.
Drainage Class
Drainage class data not available.
Soil Profile
Dominant texture: Loam
Typical soil profile. Actual depths vary by location.
USDA Soil Orders
Soil Amendment Products
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Browse Soil AmendmentsFrequently Asked Questions
What type of soil does Dunn County have?
Dunn County's soil is classified as Loam. This indicates the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay — 37% sand, 41% silt, and 22% clay. Loamy soils hold moisture well and support a wide range of plants.
Is Dunn County's soil acidic or alkaline?
Dunn County's soil has a pH of 7.1, which is near neutral. This range is ideal for most garden plants and field crops.
What is the drainage class for Dunn County?
Drainage class data is not currently available for Dunn County.
What crops or plants grow well in Dunn County's soil?
Based on Dunn County's Loam texture, pH of 7.1, and drainage class, the soil is well suited for drought-tolerant crops and native grasses, row crops and vegetable gardens.
What USDA soil order is found in Dunn County?
The dominant USDA soil order for Dunn County is not currently available in our dataset.
Soil & Planting Advisory: Dunn County
Soil Verdict
Dunn County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a, a cold climate zone. where winter lows can reach -30°F. Soils here experience deep freeze cycles that can disrupt structure, kill shallow roots, and slow microbial activity for months each year.
Planting Guidance
Focus on cold-hardy perennials, native grasses, and conifers. The short growing window favors plants with low heat requirements. With extreme winter lows, any marginally hardy plants need heavy mulch and wind protection. Always match plant selections to the specific microclimate of your property — low spots, slopes, and wind exposure can shift effective hardiness by half a zone.
Soil Implications
Deep winter freezing can create soil heaving that pushes shallow-rooted plants out of the ground; add 3-4 inches of organic mulch each fall. Soil drainage is critical — frozen, waterlogged soil kills roots faster than cold alone. When soil temperatures drop below freezing, microbial nitrogen cycling stops; spring fertilization is more effective than late-fall application.
Regional Context
Dunn County closely matches the North Dakota average hardiness conditions.
Planning your lawn? View lawn care data for Dunn County on LawnByCounty.com →
Other Counties in North Dakota
Soil data sourced from USDA SSURGO via Soil Data Access. Data is informational only and should not be used as a substitute for on-site soil testing. Contact your local NRCS office for site-specific soil information.